Kane receives Omar Bonderud award

Community service is a big part of Dennis Kane’s life, and protecting human rights is his passion. The longtime Bloomington resident received this year’s Omar Bonderud award. It’s a tribute to Kane’s dedicated leadership on the Bloomington Human Rights Commission. Kane is quick to point out that any accomplishments came through teamwork beyond his individual contribution. He attributes his success to the City Council and Lorinda Pearson, former Manager of the City’s Human Services Division, among others.

Kane is a natural leader and networker. He brings different people together to reach for something more than they can do separately. The retired library manager and teacher joined the HRC in 2012 and served as commission chairperson from 2014 to 2017. From disabilities to transgender issues, when it comes to human rights, Kane has tackled it all for the HRC. He sees himself as a cheerleader spreading the word about the importance of human rights and volunteering as a way to build connections for a greater good. “The world is constantly changing and we have responsibility to serve,” Kane said.

The HRC presents the Omar Bonderud Award, named after its first chairperson, to an individual or organization that has made a significant contribution to ensuring the rights of people in Bloomington. Formed in 1968, the HRC aids and advises the Council in ensuring that all residents have equal opportunity in employment, housing, public accommodations, public services and education, and in other affairs that affect the social well-being of the community.